Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 9.djvu/466

 370 PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF the Percies, and placed in this tower, was viewed with especial interest : it is a rondache, formed of thick leather, and rendered invulnerahle by means of concentric metal rings and innumerable rivets. It was found on the battle-field of Shrewsbury, where Hotspur fell, in the memorable struggle of 1403.> The company were speedily invited to repair to the banquetting-hall, where, and in the saloon appropriated to the library, tables were laid for a repast, worthy of the memories of ancient baronial hospitality. At the close of this sumptuous refection, the noble President called upon the guests to pledge a parting cup to the healths of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, a call which was received with most enthusiastic applause ; and the party then withdrew. His Grace had, with most obliging considera- tion provided conveyances to transport his numerous guests along the pic- turesque banks of the Aln to Hulne Abbey ; and the time scarcely sufficed for the examination of the curious remains of that Carmelite monastery, which supplies a remarkable example of early conventual arrangements. The fine gateway-tower, the sole existing remains of Alnwick Abbey, founded in the twelfth century by the lord of the neighbouring castle, — Our Lady's Well also, — the Trysting Tree, and other sites of pictur- esque or historical interest, were visited. The visitors re-assembled to speed their return to Newcastle, impressed with most lively gratification, in remembrance of a day, which the courtesy and munificence of the Duke and Duchess had rendered so memorable in the annals of the Institute. Nor must it be forgotten, to make mention of the kind forethought of Mr. Dickson, distinguished for his successful investigations of Northumbrian history, and Local Secretary of the Institute at Alnwick. He had caused to be printed, preparatory to the visit of the Society, an interesting contribution to local history, entitled " Four Chapters from the History of Alnmouth," of which he presented copies to the members on this occasion. Saturday, August 28. Durham was the object for which this day had been reserved. The cathedral, the castle, the numerous scenes and objects replete with interest to the Archaeologist, abounding in that city, attracted a very numerous assemblage, -when the hour fixed for their early departure arrived. Their agreeable anticipations were enhanced by the hospitable invitation received from the Warden of the University, the Ven. Archdeacon Thorpe, and his friendly assurance of a cordial welcome at the castle. A considerable number of the visitors reached Durham in time for the morning service at the cathedral, and immediately afterwards they pro- ceeded to Bishop Cosins' Library, where a discourse was delivered by the Rev. James Raine, on the Architectural History of Durham Cathedral. This was succeeded by a detailed examination of the structure, concluding with the Chapter-house, where Mr. Raine had arranged a selection from the valuable MSS. belonging to the Chapter, some of them considered to have been written by the the hand of Bede ; also the remarkable Brevicula, or illuminated bede-roll for the Priors Ebchester and Burnby, XV. cent., a roll of thirteen yards in length, and bearing the tituU of 623 ' See a representation of a buclder of this curious fashion, Archaeol. Journ. vol. vii. p. 181.